History of Diplomatic Relations

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Estonia and Finland

The Republic of Finland recognised the Republic of Estonia in 1920 and diplomatic relations were restored on 29 August 1991. The first Ambassador of Estonia to Finland after independence was regained was Lennart Meri.

The present Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Finland is Harri Tiido, who presented his credentials to President of Finland Sauli Niinistö on 6 September 2018. The Embassy of the Republic of Finland in Tallinn has been managed by Ambassador Timo Kantola since 4 September 2018.

Eight honorary consuls of Estonia operate in Finland: in Oulu, Turku, Kotka, Mariehamn, Vaasa, Kuopio, Rovaniemi and Tampere.
Finland has three honorary consuls in Estonia: in Pärnu, Narva and Tartu.

The 13th composition of the Riigikogu established the Estonian and Finnish Group of Friends on 2 April 2015, which is chaired by Kalle Palling. The Estonian Group of Friends in Finnish Etuskunta was established in February 2016 and is chaired by Krista Kiuru.

The Estonian and Finnish governments held a joint session in Tallinn on 7 May 2018 to celebrate the 100th jubilee of both states. Transport connections between Estonia and Finland, digital and cultural cooperation between the two states and joint interests in the European Union were discussed at the session.

The relations of Estonia and Finland are characterised by strong historical and cultural connections; contact between the two states is very frequent and covers a number of fields from the economy to culture.

Estonians form the biggest group of foreign nationals in Finnish society. The total number of Estonians living in Finland as at November 2017 was 70,618 (over 52,029 have permanent addresses, over 18,589 have contact addresses).

The number of Finns living in Estonia according to the data of Statistics Estonia of June 2016 is 7,659, but the estimated number is ca 9,000. The majority of them live in Tallinn or near Tallinn. Over 1,000 Finnish students study in Estonia.

Almost all Estonian ministries cooperate closely with Finland. Bilateral cooperation and contact with Finnish partners is particularly strong and frequent in the fields of defence, economy, education and research, culture, internal affairs and justice.

Estonia’s air is among the cleanest in the world, and the freedom to roam is codified in law. Pick berries, mushrooms, or herbs. Go hiking. Or sit still and take inspiration from the sounds of nature.

A short ride is all that’s required to experience Estonia’s full natural diversity. Little distance separates cities and nature. Our versatile cultural heritage and seasons of the year make every visit unique.